'What's Up, Doc?' A 'Hare-Raising' Stamp Announcement on July 27

The Postal Service will issue commemorative stamps celebrating Bugs Bunny’s 80th birthday on Monday, July 27.

USPS and Warner Bros. Consumer Products will dedicate the stamps during a virtual ceremony that day, which marks the 80th anniversary of Bugs Bunny’s official screen debut.

The character has always been known for his impeccable impersonations and his masterful masquerades, so the soon-to-be-revealed 10 designs on the 20-stamp pane will each showcase a costumed Bugs Bunny in some of his most memorable getups.

The original stamp artwork is based on Bugs Bunny’s iconic moments and was created especially for the stamps by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., featuring work from Warner Bros. Animation artists, who also created the sketches on the reverse side of the stamp pane.

This image is one of several that will appear on the back of the Bugs Bunny stamp pane. A sneak peek of the stamps will be available soon on the USPS Facebook page.

Surviving the South Florida Heat

Hot weather is here. Extreme heat can be dangerous. No one should die from heat wave, but every year on average, extreme heat causes 658 deaths in the United States.

There are three degrees of heat illness: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat-related deaths are preventable when the signs and symptoms are recognized and respected:

Heat Cramps – intermittent, involuntary spasm of muscles occurring in an individual who is physically active in hot or humid weather.

Heat Exhaustion – is a serious illness.  Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst, and heavy sweating.

Heat Stroke – is the most serious and requires immediate medical attention.  Symptoms include confusion, fainting, seizures, very high body temperatures and hot, dry skin or profuse sweating. 
What can you do?

Drink plenty of water, at least eight ounces every 20 minutes

Take rest breaks to help your body recover

Rest in the shade or in air-conditioning to cool down

Stuart Carrier Retires Among Praise

Stuart Annex Letter Carrier Earl Geter clocked out for the last time on Friday, June 26. He officially has retired.  

The adjacent sign is from customers who appreciate Geter and his co-workers who continue to provide outstanding service in the COVID-19 environment. The sign reads: "To All Postal Employees: We need you! We want you! We applaud you! Keep doing what you're doing! Stay safe!" 

"Our customers and the management of the Stuart Annex appreciate each and every one of our employees,: said Supervisor, Customer Services Ruth Gonzalez.

Showing Appreciation

Story and Photo:

Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Edwin Vivas

The U.S. Postal Service provides an essential public service and binds together the nation as a part of the country’s critical infrastructure. Furthermore our Fort Lauderdale employees are dedicated and committed to accepting, processing, transporting and delivering vital mail and packages like medicine, benefits checks and important information to every home and business. Our retail employees also take great pride in serving our customers.  

Recently, many companies have been so reaching out the U.S. Postal Service to let them know they are here for us as well. Recently, LF of America located in Boca Raton, FL offered all Fort Lauderdale employees hand sanitizer spray pens. 

LF of America General Manager Diego Bulgarelli was not asking for any recognition for its donation; they just wanted to ensure the safety of the Fort Lauderdale postal workforce.  

At a recent gathering at the Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex, Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney (right) read a letter written to Bulgarelli, thanking LF of America for the generous gift.

'I Was Caught Working Safely ...'

'I Was Caught Working Safely ...'

Customers Thank Clewiston Workers

Local church members showed their appreciation for Clewiston Post Office employees. Children sent handwritten thank you cards and adults presented gift baskets, along with two coolers of ice water, energy drinks, and homemade goodies, hand sanitizer and tissues. 

USPS Offers Scholarship Funds

If you’re interested in pursuing your education, the Postal Service has scholarships to high-potential, non-bargaining employees.

The Centralized Funding for Development (CFD) Scholarship is designed to financially support high-potential postal employees in their pursuit of professional certifications, individual college courses, or degree programs. Such a partnership is mutually beneficial, as employees receive professional development and the Postal Service strengthens the leadership bench. Partnering financially demonstrates commitment from both parties.

Scholarship Criteria

• High-potential, non-bargaining employees with two years of service are eligible.

• The application period is July 1 – 31, 2020. 

• Payouts in specified dollar amounts of $500 to $15,000 per year are offered. A matrix to determine the amount of the scholarship offer will be used.

• Requests for scholarship renewals should be submitted during the application period.

• A Continued Service Agreement for all monetary awards of $5,000 or more is required.

Please direct any questions to this link: 
https://teamsiteblb.usps.gov/iw-cc/command/iw.group.formspub.generate.

Fashionable Face Covering Protects

Fort Pierce Administrative Assistant Jacqueline Long made a fashion statement with a blouse and a matching face covering for protection.

'I Was Caught Working Safely ...'

Key Largo Team is #PostalProud

The Key Largo Post Office Team beamed with pride as they posed in front of the banner, “Heroes Work Here … Thank You for Your Dedication to Our Customers.” Pictured Front: Rural Carrier Associate Michele Burke. Second row from left: Rural Carrier Maureen Dodge; Rural Carrier Associates Latavia Battles and Xavier Lugo-Santiago; and Rural Carrier Jimmy Charron. Back: Supervisor, Customer Services Rollo Casiple. 

Staying Healthy in South Florida Heat

Hot weather is here. Extreme heat can be dangerous. No one should die from heat wave, but every year on average, extreme heat causes 658 deaths in the United States.

There are three degrees of heat illness: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat-related deaths are preventable when the signs and symptoms are recognized and respected:

Heat Cramps – intermittent, involuntary spasm of muscles occurring in an individual who is physically active in hot or humid weather.

Heat Exhaustion – is a serious illness.  Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst, and heavy sweating.

Heat Stroke – is the most serious and requires immediate medical attention.  Symptoms include confusion, fainting, seizures, very high body temperatures and hot, dry skin or profuse sweating. 
What can you do?

Drink plenty of water, at least eight ounces every 20 minutes

Take rest breaks to help your body recover

Rest in the shade or in air-conditioning to cool down

'What Safety Means to Me!'

Nat'l Employee Emergency Hotline

The South Florida District Emergency Management Team reminds employees to add the National Employee Emergency Hotline number --- 888-363-7462 --- to their cell phone directory, if they have not already done so. This number also should be on a yellow sticker on the back of your employee ID badge.

The National Employee Emergency Hotline (888-EMERGNC or 888-363-7462) is the official source of information for weather issues, work schedule changes, and facility status.

When calling the National Employee Emergency Hotline, remember to enter the first three digits of the ZIP Code of your workplace location. In addition, if you evacuate and relocate due to an emergency, call the hotline number, and after entering your facility ZIP Code, select “Option 5.” You will be routed to an individual who can take your information and relay it to District and Area leadership whose priorities are your safety and well-being.

If you use Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), call a Florida TRS toll-free number, and the TRS operator will interact with the hotline application on your behalf. The simplest way to access the variety of Florida Relay services is to dial 7-1-1. 

'Stamp Out Hunger' Online Food Drive

This year, "Stamp Out Hunger" will allow individuals to make monetary donations directly to food banks.


"Stamp Out Hunger" will occur online this year.

The annual campaign traditionally allows Postal Service employees to collect food donations that are then distributed to food banks and pantries.

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) usually organizes the drive on the second Saturday of May, but this year’s event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The NALC is now holding the drive online, allowing customers to donate money — instead of food — to participating food banks and pantries.

“As letter carriers in every neighborhood in the country six and seven days a week, we see the need and we cannot wait while food banks struggle, demand grows and people remain hungry,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said.

The online drive began June 15 and will continue as needed to allow food banks to purchase the items they need to help address hunger and food insecurity, which have worsened because of the pandemic and the national economic downturn.

Individuals who wish to donate can search for food banks by state at www.nalc.org/food.

“Once it is safe, we will return to the traditional food drive,” Rolando said.

Source: LINK

'What Safety Means to Me!'

'What Safety Means to Me!'

'What Safety Means to Me!'

Riviera Beach Team Moves Forward To Reverse Backing Accidents

The Riviera Beach Post Office Team implemented the above safety initiative to eliminate backing accidents.

Under the leadership of Riviera Beach Post Office Manager, Customer Services Lori Giordano and Letter Carrier/Safety Commander In Chief Jeffrey Wagner, Safety Ambassadors implemented an awareness initiative to eliminate backing accidents.

The message: “Don’t be dead like Fred! No one wants to live with accidentally running over someone or being run over!” The accident scene pictured above is a daily reminder on what can happen when you put your vehicle in reverse.

Poor backing habits can easily result in accidents since the driver has such a limited view of where the vehicle is going. If you use common sense you will help reduce your chances of a backing accident while improving your backing technique.

You have a better field of vision while traveling forward. Backing is tricky and dangerous. You take more risks when backing, so don’t back up unless you absolutely have to do so. There are two situations in which you should never back up, regardless of the circumstances: Never back around a street corner. It is always preferable to drive around the block. If you overshoot a crosswalk at a red light, you should stay where you are until the light changes, as long as you are not blocking traffic. If you back up, you might hit a pedestrian or another vehicle.

“I salute the innovative efforts of the Riviera Beach team as they communicate the importance of safe work practices,” said Safety Specialist Tiffany Chestnut-Moss. “These Safety Ambassadors are among the most engaged in the South Florida District.”

Palm Beach Gardens 'Heart and Soul'

Palm Beach Gardens letter carriers (above) donated supplies, including uniforms, rain gear, outerwear, and sun helmets to Minneapolis letter carriers who lost everything due to their station being destroyed by fire in recent protests.

West Palm Beach Postmaster Ernie Onody and Palm Beach Gardens Post Office Manager, Customer Services Robert Harris praised the generosity of these employees.

"This team continues to show their heart and soul during tough times," Onody said.

'I Was Caught Working Safely ...'

Recognizing Miami Letter Carrier/Hero

Miami Letter Carrier Donna Bratton (above), who delivers mail from the Gratigny Branch, was featured on the cover of the Postal Bulletin dated June 18.

Bratton was delivering mail at an apartment complex when a customer, holding her infant who could not breathe, ran up to her. While 911 was called, Bratton performed CPR and revived the baby. Emergency responders soon arrived and took the baby to the hospital.

Bratton was recognized through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program and also received a commendatory letter from Southern Area Vice President Shaun E. Mossman.

Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

'I Was Caught Working Safely ...'

National Dog Bite Awareness Week

A New Era Begins: DeJoy is PMG/CEO

Louis DeJoy (right) took the oath of office as the nation’s 75th Postmaster General on June 16, expressing optimism for the Postal Service’s future and appreciation for the organization’s employees.

“Together, we will put the Postal Service on a successful trajectory for generations to come,” DeJoy said during a ceremony at USPS headquarters in Washington, DC.

The event was held in a meeting room named for Benjamin Franklin, the nation’s first Postmaster General. Participants observed social distancing guidelines during the ceremony, which featured a small audience that included members of the Board of Governors and the executive leadership team.

Board Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan administered the oath to DeJoy. John M. Barger, a governor who chaired the committee that selected DeJoy for the position, was also present, while the board’s other governors, Ron A. Bloom and Roman Martinez IV, participated in the ceremony through videoconferencing.

The board announced DeJoy's appointment in May following an extensive nationwide search. He succeeds Megan J. Brennan, who retired last week.

DeJoy spent his 35-year career in logistics, including serving as chairman and chief executive officer of New Breed Logistics, an award-winning USPS contractor that supplied the organization with support for multiple processing facilities.

He is the fifth Postmaster General to join the Postal Service from the private sector since the organization became an independent establishment within the executive branch in 1971.

Earlier this week, DeJoy addressed employees in a video message distributed throughout the organization.

Source: LINK 

NALC Promotes Online Food Drive

This year, Stamp Out Hunger allows individuals to make monetary donations directly to food banks.

Stamp Out Hunger will occur online this year, beginning this week.

The annual campaign traditionally allows Postal Service employees to collect food donations that are then distributed to food banks and pantries.

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) organizes the drive, which is usually held on the second Saturday of May, but this year’s event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The NALC is now holding the drive online, allowing customers to donate money — instead of food — to participating food banks and pantries.

“As letter carriers in every neighborhood in the country six and seven days a week, we see the need and we cannot wait while food banks struggle, demand grows and people remain hungry,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said.

The drive began during the week of June 15 and will continue as needed to allow food banks to purchase the items they need to help address hunger and food insecurity, which have worsened because of the pandemic and the national economic downturn.

Individuals who wish to donate can search for food banks by state at www.nalc.org/food.

“Once it is safe, we will return to the traditional food drive,” Rolando said.

'What Safety Means to Me!'

Employee 'AMS' to Please Customer

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Danny Felix (right) in the Miami Address Management Systems (AMS) Office.

He helped me resolve an error that was preventing me from enrolling my address in Informed Delivery. He researched the problem for me, and once he identified the root cause, he explained the situation clearly and how he was going to fix it.

He assured me the issue would be corrected promptly and that I would be able to enroll in about two weeks from the date of my call, once all systems had updated.

I am pleased to say that the updates propagated much sooner than that, and I was able to enroll without issue the following week.

I wish to express my sincerest thanks to Mr. Felix for assistance. I was extremely impressed by his depth of knowledge and expertise, and on top of that, I truly appreciated his friendliness and professionalism.

Signed,

A Satisfied Customer

National Dog Bite Awareness Week: Fort Lauderdale Carrier Shares Tips

Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex Letter Carrier Aitanga Irish displays her dog repellent and PS Form 1778, "Dog Warning Card." 
Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Edwin Vivas

Dogs may be our best friends, but they still are animals, and they can bite. In fact, dogs bite about 4.7 million Americans every year, half of them children between ages five and nine. One out of every five of those bites causes an injury that requires medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

In Fort Lauderdale City and the 25 stations and branches that report to the Postmaster had eight employees attacked by dogs in Fiscal Year 2019. There have been six dog bites recorded the first eight months of Fiscal Year 2020.

Fort Lauderdale Main Office Carrier Annex City Carrier Aitanga Irish attributes her “dog-bite free” safety record to keeping handy dog spray repellent and using PS Form 1778, “Dog Warning Card” to inform other carriers of dangerous animals on her route.

Irish also asks that her customers place their dog in a separate room and close that door before they open the front door.

“Some dogs burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to attack visitors, including carriers,” said English.” Dog owners need to be responsible and keep the family pet secured.”

In addition, Irish asks that parents remind their children and other family members not to take mail directly from carriers in the presence of the family pet.

“The dog may view the person handing mail to a family member as a threatening gesture,” said Irish. “Overall, if you have a dog, you need to be a responsible pet owner.”

'What Safety Means to Me!'

'What Safety Means to Me!'

Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Sometimes, working in high temperatures or near hot objects is unavoidable. These working conditions can quickly lead to heat stress and heat-related illnesses, which can be life-threatening and thus should be taken very seriously.

Identifying Risk Factors

Some job situations may cause your body temperature to increase for an extended period of time, or expose you to very high temperatures for a short period. Either way, there are potential health risks to working in these conditions.

High temperatures and heat stress can push your body beyond its limits, causing illness and possibly even death, unless precautions are taken. To keep you safe, your body will try to rid itself of excess heat once your blood temperature exceeds 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Your body does this in two ways, by varying the rate and amount of blood circulating through your skin and by sweating. Once the temperature of your surroundings reaches the same temperature as your skin, sweating becomes the main way for your body to cool down and maintain steady temperature. However, sweating won’t cool your body down unless the moisture evaporates and is removed from your skin.

Anyone can be at risk of heat-related illnesses no matter how young or fit. However, there are several factors that can affect your ability to handle heat stress, including your age, body fat and fitness, and heat sensitivity. Alcohol and caffeine intake, as well as taking prescription medicines also affect your ability to stay healthy in hot conditions.

So pay close attention to your general health and any medical conditions you may have, as some of these conditions can cause heat illness or may be aggravated by heat. For example, skin disorders such as dermatitis, may limit your ability to sweat when aggravated by heat or moisture while heart and lung diseases may negatively affect your ability to handle heat stress. Diabetes if not properly controlled can lead to dehydration, which can be further aggravated by excess heat. Diarrhea may also lead to dehydration. If you suffer from either of these conditions, you should make sure to drink enough water.

'What Safety Means to Me!'

For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation's strength and unity. It's been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. And the American flag has been a prominent icon in our national history.

The flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies; the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence, and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice.

'I Was Caught Working Safely ...'

'Enjoy the Great Outdoors' Today

Today the U.S. Postal Service will issue the "Enjoy the Great Outdoors" stamps. 

The stamp artwork depicts five different scenes of various outdoor activities — building a sandcastle, hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing and biking. In these hand-sketched and painted designs, artist Gregory Manchess uses light and shadow to evoke a sense of wonder for these remarkable landscapes. Surrounding the pane of 20 stamps is a painting showing trees and the bank of a body of water. The small figures of a canoe in the water and a man standing ashore holding an oar are visible at the top of the selvage.

The title “Enjoy the Great Outdoors” appears right above the pane of stamps in white lettering. Derry Noyes, a USPS art director, designed the stamps.

Royal Palm P&DC Offers MDO EAS-24 Detail

Are you looking to broaden your postal horizons? Here’s an opportunity to be detailed as a Manager, Distribution Operations EAS-24 at the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center, 5500 NW 142 St in Opa-locka.  

 

This detail assignment, open to all qualified EAS career employees in the South Florida District, will be from July 4 through August 14. The successful applicant will be scheduled 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. with Sunday/Monday as non-scheduled days.

    

If interested, please address the requirements below and submit your eCareer Profile, along with a summary of accomplishments, to A/Senior Plant Manager June Martindale, 5500 NW 142 St, Opa-locka, FL 33054-9998 by Close of Business (COB) Monday, June 22.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

 

Knowledge of mail processing and distribution operations, policies, and procedures. Ability to determine staffing and equipment needs, including determining priorities and assessing the need for overtime. Ability to monitor operational performance and make appropriate adjustments to optimize mail flow. Ability to communicate orally in order to coordinate work activities with other managers, consult with customers, and meet with union representatives. Ability to manage the work of others to achieve organizational goals and objectives, including planning and organizing the work, facilitating the flow of work-related information, and providing technical guidance. Ability to monitor mail processing operations for compliance with established safety policy and procedures. Ability to manage an on-the-job training program.

Here's a Detail Opportunity at Royal Palm P&DC

Are you looking to broaden your postal horizons? Here’s an opportunity to be detailed as a Manager, Distribution Operations EAS-22 at the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center, 5500 NW 142 St in Opa-locka.  

 

This detail assignment, open to all qualified EAS career employees in the South Florida District, will be from June 20 through July 17. The successful applicant will be scheduled 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Friday/Saturday as non-scheduled days.

  

If interested, please address the requirements below and submit your eCareer Profile, along with a summary of accomplishments, to A/Senior Plant Manager June Martindale, 5500 NW 142 St, Opa-locka, FL 33054-9998 by Close of Business (COB) Monday, June 15.

REQUIREMENTS:

 

1. Knowledge of mail processing and distribution operations, policies, and procedures.

2. Ability to determine staffing and equipment needs, including determining priorities and assessing the need for overtime.

3. Ability to monitor operational performance and make appropriate adjustments to optimize mail flow.

4. Ability to communicate orally in order to coordinate work activities with other managers, consult with customers, and meet with union representatives.

5. Ability to manage the work of others to achieve organizational goals and objectives, including planning and organizing the work, facilitating the flow of work-related information, and providing technical guidance.

6. Ability to estimate mail processing and distribution expenditures in order to provide budget input.

7. Ability to monitor mail processing operations for compliance with established safety policy and procedures.

8. Ability to manage an on-the-job training program.